Seafarers UK has commissioned the Institute of Public Care to carry out a publicly funded study of the needs of the UK Merchant Navy veteran population. As a trustee of Seafarers UK, your union is encouraging Merchant Navy veterans in the UK to participate in this study.

The study is specifically aimed at Merchant Navy veterans who were born before 1st January 1950 and worked for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and/or on a civilian vessel that was requisitioned to support UK Armed Forces overseas. The full details and aims of the study are attached and available online here: http://www.seafarers.uk/what-we-do/partners/aged-veterans-fund/

The study’s aims include the introduction of new caseworker services in Glasgow, Hull, Merseyside and Southampton for Merchant Navy veterans in their homes. The study’s findings will also benefit and inform work to improve the provision and design of support services for all Merchant Navy seafarers and their families, particularly in retirement whichever sector of the industry they worked in.

Volunteers will be asked to take part in an interview and to fill out a survey form. RMT Merchant Navy veterans are encouraged to participate in this study. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Head Office or Valerie Coleman at Seafarers UK on valerie.coleman@seafarers-uk.org to register.

I would be grateful if you could bring the contents of this circular to the attention of members in your branch and you will be kept updated with further developments.